Bolder Advocacy Resource Library

We take questions from nonprofits every day on what they can say or do, including the Georgia runoff elections. When you boil it all down, the most common question we get from 501(c)(3)s is, “Can We Say That?”

Most 501(c)(3) organizations are familiar with the restrictions that prohibit 501(c)(3)s from supporting or opposing any candidate for public office. Once an election is over, however, many organizations are often unsure about which rules apply. Can they congratulate a winning candidate? Ask the winner to take action on their organization’s central issues? The answers are “Yes” and “Yes – within limits.”

This fact sheet offers some guidelines for when it's appropriate for a 501(c)(3) group working on election protection issues to talk with a candidate or party — and when it's not.

Election years provide great opportunities for 501(c)(3) organizations. After all, what better way to participate in our civic society than voting?

Disipemos algunos mitos: las organizaciones comunitarias 501(c)(3), incluyendo fundaciones, tienen muchas oportunidades para asegurar que sus comunidades estén bien representadas en las elecciones. Sí, hay normas para llevar a cabo y proveer fondos para una campaña para registrar votantes, pero las organizaciones sin fines de lucro no deben evitar estas actividades. Más bien, es importante entender las normas para poder programar sus actividades en esta época de elecciones.

501(c)(3)s can encourage voters to stay engaged and up-to-date on their registration. This guide helps public charities understand the basics of encouraging voter participation via social media, and the considerations that organizations should make to remain nonpartisan on their social media accounts.

Election season offers tremendous opportunities for private foundations to encourage active participation by all eligible voters.

Esta gráfica ayuda a las organizaciones 501(c)(3)s a determinar si sus actividades son permisibles. Las (c)(3)s deben de asegurar que no están participando en actividades que ni apoyen ni se opongan a cualquier candidato a cargo público.

This guide offers clear and concise information on the range of legal questions that could arise when nonprofits consider working on a ballot initiative.

Let’s dispel some myths: nonprofit organizations, including foundations, have many opportunities to ensure that their communities are well-represented at the ballot box. Yes, there are rules for conducting and funding voter registration drives, but nonprofits don’t need to avoid these activities. Rather, it is important to understand the rules so you can plan your activities this election season.

Nonprofits can hold their elected officials accountable for how they serve their constituents.